Type 38 Carbine in 6.5mm ………………(F 599) SOLD
Created on October 24th 2016
A particularly good 6.5 x 50mm Japanese Type 38 Carbine
A well kept and preserved Japanese Arisaka Type 38 Carbine in 6.5mm x 50 Japanese. The bolt system is basically a Mauser-type with front locking lugs. The rifle has an internal 5-shot magazine and a straight arm bolt with egg-shaped bolt head. The safety on these bolts is not immediately obvious but the clue to finding it is in the elaborate machine work on the rear of the cocking-piece. The regular machine pattern was applied to help gain grip in the sodden jungles of the East. One simply applies pressure with the palm of the open right hand and also turns the round surface to the right, thus bringing the indent on the outer edge to the top and the safety is on. Do the same but turn anti-clockwise and the rifle becomes ready to release a shot. The bolt cocks on closing. The digits “284” are on the bolt stub.
In position over the full length of the bolt is a sliding dust cover – often absent on these rifles. Bolt release is effected by pulling outwards the large sprung catch to the rear LHS of the action. The rifle is 38″ in length. The carbine barrel measures a nominal 19″ and the trigger pull is 13.1/8″ to center. The carbine has a full local hardwood stock, as usual with the Arisaka the butt is made of two pieces dovetailed together and glued – the joint on this example is good and has not in any way separated. There is a hand guard over the barrel in front of the rear sight. The front portion, 3.3/4″ of the barrel is exposed and under that is the carbine length cleaning rod. The fore-end of the stock has grasping groves in either side of approximately 4″ length. The stock is lacquered in its original high shine finish and is in very good condition. There is a distinct lack of the normal degree of damage associated with these rifles to its surfaces.
The front steel cap of the fore-end also doubles as a bayonet lug and is marked on the underside with “051.” The carbine rear sights are graduated from 500 to 2000 yards. Unfortunately these are numbered to another carbine. The rifle has two sling swivels both mounted on the LHS – one on the mid-band, the rear in the center of the semi-pistol grip butt. Smooth trigger and magazine floor release catch within steel trigger guard. Flat steel butt-plate with upper tang.
The receiver is clearly marked with an unmolested Imperial chrysanthemum. Below that are the gas escape holes and the Japanese markings for “Type 38” – all unblemished. The outside wall of the action has several marks upon it including the serial number which is “15051” Either side of that number are the markings denoting the following: “4th Series” – “15051” – “Nagoya Arsenal” – Inspectors stamp and sub inspector.
Blueing and condition are good to strong with the majority of the thinning around the muzzle. A good bore with strong rifling, no pitting or misting, 4 groove RH twist. A seldom seen rifle in good condition, freshly London proofed in 2016 and ready to get out on the ranges again.
Ask for Stock No’ f 599
£ 750. ………..SOLD
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